jcf1 Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Hi folks, after some considerable time playing with various guns I've finally found one that fits me very well. Its a side by side BLNE with fixed chokes at what seems to be (with choke gauge) roughly 1/2 and 3/4. Thing is, I'd prefer 1/4 and 1/2 if possible. I don't want to spend a lot more than the gun's worth - which isn't a huge amount! But I do want to keep it as it suits me so well. Being a shotgun newbie I am vaguely aware that its possible to get the chokes opened up a bit, but have no idea how much to expect to pay. I'd like them opened up and the bores polished. Anyone know what I should expect to shell out and if there is anything I should consider before getting it done? Also if anyone can recommend a competent gunsmith in the south west to do the work, that'd be very helpful. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Choke gauge = **** gimmick. Pattern the gun with a competent instructor/shooter/know-it-all present and get them to tell you what chokes you have. I would do this before you even consider getting the gun changed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 I had a feeling they were pretty vague. It does seem to knock the **** out of birds when hit though - I suppose this could just be because I'm hitting them with the middle of the pattern more often with a gun that fits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 I had a feeling they were pretty vague. It does seem to knock the **** out of birds when hit though - I suppose this could just be because I'm hitting them with the middle of the pattern more often with a gun that fits? Maybe, and if you are brilliant! Are there not choke markings printed on the flats of the barrels? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Not sure - just what I assume are bore sizes (18.5 on both) and what could be choke markings - one star on one and 2 stars on the other which I guess would maybe be 1/2 and 3/4 but who knows. Its a Laurona of what I guess would be some age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stiv24 Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Sounds like 3/4 and full. I'd stick with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 I'll see how it patterns and then possibly I will - I'd still like it polished though. Just because I'm like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinxy72 Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 if ur shooting anything live leave it as it is m8 ..... 1/4 and 1/2 only any good for clays really ( well my opinion anyway ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cushat Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 I'll see how it patterns and then possibly I will - I'd still like it polished though. Just because I'm like that What do you mean by polished? Just give it a proper clean and the bores should be sparkling. Everyone to their own, but I've never used a full choke in my life. 1/4 is enough for me for decoying pigeons and I usually use a combination of sk, 1/4 or 1/2 for clays. You're prob looking at about £40 per barrel to get the chokes opened out. Choke is a measurement of restriction of the bore, so the easiest way to check them is to get a gunsmith to measure the bore in the main part of the barrel and then at the muzzle. Patterning is a pretty rough way of estimating and can be influenced by different cartridges etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 (edited) if ur shooting anything live leave it as it is m8 ..... 1/4 and 1/2 only any good for clays really ( well my opinion anyway ) Don't agree I'm afraid, for all game quarry other than geese I shoot half and quarter - knowing the effective range of your gun and being able to judge quarry at or within that is more important to ensure consistent, clean kills IMO. As said, sounds like full and 3/4 and personally I would open it up a bit, if you hit a woodcock at 25 yards with 32 grams of No 6 through a fully choked barrel you won't need to worry about how to cook it! Edited August 14, 2009 by wgd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 Well, I hit a woodie at about 20 yards with it and there was very little woodie left - just a pair of feet, wings and a head, the rest was pretty much pigeon pate.... Not ideal for eating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 Well, I hit a woodie at about 20 yards with it and there was very little woodie left - just a pair of feet, wings and a head, the rest was pretty much pigeon pate.... Not ideal for eating sounds about right, open it up a bit and you'll have some meat left for your dinner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Spoke to my local RFD - quoted £180 to open both barrels - so I'll give that a miss He reccomended using 71/2 shot for pigeon to give the wider pattern - any thoughts? I was concerned these might be a bit light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edward Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 A 28grm 7.5 will take a pigeon no problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Spoke to my local RFD - quoted £180 to open both barrels - so I'll give that a miss He reccomended using 71/2 shot for pigeon to give the wider pattern - any thoughts? I was concerned these might be a bit light. I don't see the pattern being any wider as the shot is constrained by the same amount at the muzzle? Due to there being more shot in the air, the pattern may be very slightly wider, it will certainly be more dense and the shot string slightly longer but each individual shot pellet will have less energy due to being lighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 On most guns i've seen it's marked on the barrels in *'s... you could have a check, it's not easy spotted... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcf1 Posted August 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Some very useful input guys - thanks for the help. I think I'll try patterning it on a bit of board at 30yds or so and see if there's any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunny Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 On most guns i've seen it's marked on the barrels in *'s... you could have a check, it's not easy spotted... OP has already spotted these: One and two stars denoting full and 3/4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Choke gauge = **** gimmick. Pattern the gun with a competent instructor/shooter/know-it-all present and get them to tell you what chokes you have. I would do this before you even consider getting the gun changed! An excellent reply If you want to have an idea what's what regarding choke here's a chart http://www.islandlakeshootingrange.com/shotgunfacts.htm which might help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 i had my s/s reamed out to half and half about £50- ish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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